Trials Training And Technique

Hi all, Just a quick query. When I was a lad (back in the late 80's) I remeber having a brilliant trials training video and I am pretty sure it was by an American by the name of Jack Stykes or similar. I'm getting back into trials and was just wondering if anyone had heard of this video or if there are still any copies of it in the world? Thanks for looking Torquil

I can balance fairly well with the front wheel turned to either side. However, I'm working on balancing with the front wheel straight. I noticed that pushing down on the handlebar while sticking a leg out helps regain balance. Is this the right technique ? pushing down on the handlebar ? Should I shift my weight to the side of the bike more instead of pushing down on the handlebar while raising a leg out to regain balance ? (my knees don't like this technique much though). What have you guys found work best ?

Ok, sorry for being really dumb, but i'm new to this trials thing and have seen loads of references on technique, stating..."be like a tree" Just wondering if someone could give me an explanation as to what it means?? Thanks in advance. Steve

Hey guys, Just wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue. I think a sprain a few weeks back (landed heavily on the bars) may have caused a twinge in my wrist. I have no pain while riding, I generally feel the pain more when I'm off the bike and I flex my wrist but the pain is isolated only to the area marked in red. If I flex my wrist into extension (like in the second picture) I get this fizzel/twinge in that spot or when I'm opening a door. Is this tendinitis? My Doctor instantly without even looking at my hand said Carpal Tunnel I've had the pain for about 5 weeks now. I've made some adjustments to the bike to hopefully improvement the ergonomics to …

I'm getting ready to go out in a bit and need some inspiration. I've got to the point I can lift the rear wheel consistently by compressing the suspension, applying front brake on rebound, then pushing the bars down and about the front wheel. I'm having trouble getting the back to get any kind of lateral movement though. Tips please!

Hi, I want to buy a new bike Raga 2009 250cc or 300cc and I'm difficult to decide. I started trials in this spring after 6 years in enduro and mountain bike, with a 300 GasGas 2005 Raga. I learn some basic trials tehniques, but for advance tehniques I want to know if 250cc can help me more then 300cc or not. I have 6'2'' and 180 pounds.

I cant seem to do slow wheelies. If I do them in first, I run out of throttle and it just screams once it speeds up, same with second. 3rd I can get big wheelies, high and long but they're too fast, power wheelies and not controlled and slow. What gear am I best on doing this in, and any tips on how to get used to using the back break? I know thats what I must do but as soon as I do the front end copmes straight down. Am I supposed to lean right back when I brake and come forward abit again when I blip throttle? And am I suposed to be holding a bite with my clutch? Any tips please

Do you ride with a finger covering each lever all the time? Or only when you actually need to? I reckon that ideally you'd have them covered all the time so your not changing grip. What's best?

I have a club member in Newcastle Upon Tyne who would like to know where there is to practice and where he and his son can get some trials training. Any help would be most welcome.

Wow, what an excellent day!! This to say thanks to the good folk of ESTC The instructors Luke and Neil had boundless energy and enthusiasm. As a beginner and a wizened old dwarf I assumed I was letting myself in for a very humiliating day – but not so. Despite being the duffer of the easy route group I learnt loads – perhaps most importantly is the gain in confidence. Also, met some really nice folk – trials appears to full of nice folk doesn’t it It was wonderful value for money as well. For just 20 quid you got some of the best instruction in the UK on a great site – how good is that. Definitely coming back for more………

Here is a slow motion video showing pretty advance (for me!) techniques but I found it very useful anyways:

Hi, So today I had my 1st ride of any bike with gears it was a bit of an eye opener I got on ok I suppose I just wanted to do the basics start and stop, however I had a bit of an issue letting go of the throttle when my weight shifted back and ending up with the bike in a ditch and me thrown over the bars 😂

Men's training day at Bracken Rocks on Saturday 21st March 2009 10am - 4pm with A.C.U qualified coaches.

Something has been nagging at me and I wanted to get input from you guys. So when we're on trail rides, we always try to look as far ahead as possible. This also counts for techniques like pivot turns, floater turns, etc.. The question is, if you have multiple obstacles in quick succession, especially requiring intermediate techniques like the double blip so you can't simply roll over everything, when do you switch your focus from the first obstacle to the second? For instance, let's say you got a double ledge with the first being undercut and requiring a japzap. To get a solid front wheel punch, you need to look at the ideal point of impact righ…

Oooo it even smells like a new forum.... (I feel like sam should break this in but i am also feeling greedy) Well let me ask the first question. I have a bad habit. I hold my breath! Half way through the section i am blue and out of breath. I have never heard of lamaz <sp? for trials but i think i could really benifit from a prebirthing class on breathing. Some of my felow riders use beer as an anesethic but i only end up drunk and out of breath.... not good.... Anybody know how to combat this? --Biff

My self-modified trials special has insufficient fork lock. I have ground off the fork stops until the fork legs almost touch the frame. The bike is supposed to have 45 degrees but it doesn't - close but not quite. Probably not the best fork trail for trials either. So, doing full lock turns, a requirement our local trials masters love to require, is difficult. I am working on decreasing the turning radius by leaning into it with my substantial butt as counterbalance. I am told to not dip my shoulder (which one?) and to look at where I want to go (over my shoulder?). There is no way I can move the front or rear around - I only have 'both tires planted' skills. Fl…

hello all im a total novice had bikes for years mx and road had a few trials bikes but never lernt to ride one proply, my friend went out and brought a gas gas 05 300 txt pro (very nice) im looking for one ive had a sherco before and loved it i want a 06 or up 2.9 but my friend says that hes looked into it and he thinks i should get a gas gas as there better! are they?? any sugestions?? thanks all ps. any one want to teach us lol

A lot of you probably suffer from blisters on your hands too whilst riding, I was wondering if anyone had tips on keeping them at bay as I get them incredibly easily (after 20-30mins of riding)

Any tips for when you're riding and feeling like you're not progressing? Last few times out I feel like hell on wheels- not the good kind.

What do you fellow trials enthusiast think of vitamins?